Lawrence patient tests negative for coronavirus, Kansas health officials say
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment says a person in Lawrence who was being tested for the novel coronavirus is not infected with it.
The state health department made the announcement Saturday, days after it had reported that he was being investigated for possible exposure to the virus.
It said it received negative results this weekend after testing was conducted at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The unidentified patient in Lawrence returned to the United States within the last two weeks after traveling from Wuhan City, China, health officials said.
On Monday, the male came to the LMH Health (formerly Lawrence Memorial Hospital) with symptoms of a respiratory illness. Given the patient’s recent trip to Wuhan and out of caution, the hospital alerted government health officials, hospital spokeswoman Amy Northrop said on Tuesday.
In a statement Saturday, Kansas Health Secretary Lee Norman said the patient has been released from the hospital and “remains in good health.” Norman said there is no risk to the public.
Cases of the coronavirus were first identified in Wuhan City, China, and have since been reported in other locations in China and other countries, including the United States, where at least eight cases have been confirmed.
On Saturday, health officials in Massachusetts said the virus has been identified in their state, marking the eighth case in the country.
The virus has also been detected in California, Washington, Arizona and Illinois, according to the CDC’s website.
While the virus has not been identified in Kansas, the state health department said it will continue to work with the CDC and local partners to detect and respond to any possible cases in the future.
Anyone who has recently traveled to Wuhan City in China’s Hubei Province and has developed a fever with respiratory symptoms within two weeks or has had contact with someone who may be sick with the virus is asked to stay home and contact a health care provider. Symptoms of the coronavirus can include a fever, cough and shortness a breath, according to the CDC.
While in the midst of flu season, health officials are also asking residents to be vigilant and protect themselves and others from infection by washing their hands, avoiding touching their faces and getting a flu shot.
This story was originally published February 1, 2020 at 5:38 PM.
